Page 70 of Love Is Ale You Need

“Well, I asked. But she killed that idea faster than a knife fight in a phone booth.” I motion my hand in a jabbing motion, then flop it onto the table with a smack.

“Do you want to get married?” Miles asks.

I shrug. “Eventually. Rylee has flipped my world upside down. Every day she makes me want to be a better man and no one’s ever done that to me. And I absolutely adore Abby.” Then she questioned if I loved her. The words were on the tip of my tongue, ready for me to spit them out but I couldn’t. Even though I put it in writing, I couldn’t get the words out. Not yet anyway, but I will. I’ve never been one to give up.

Miles takes a drink of his water and sets it down. “Are you prepared to be a stepdad as well? Things like that can be rocky terrain.”

Ah. Fuck. The thought never even occurred to me. Not only will I be a dad, but also possibly a stepdad. I’ll have to navigate that if and when the time comes. “I’ve always been one to face a challenge head on. Whatever is thrown at me, I’m ready to face it full force, so yeah, whatever I have to do, I’m ready for it. All of it. Plus, Rylee will be there to keep me in check. She’s good like that.” All my nerve endings tingle from imagining a future with her.

“Congratulations. I never expected the day our fearless SBL leader would ditch the single life,” Miles says.

I run both hands through my hair. “If I’m being honest, I never expected it either, but here we are.”

“You’ll be a great dad. In your own special Trey way, but I’ve known you for years and I know you’ll give that kid every piece of you,” Bennett says.

His words reassure me a little. If someone else can have faith in me, maybe I should have a little faith in myself.

“What will the plans be for SBL? I kind of look forward to hanging out with the guys every week.” Miles gives me a weak smile.

I can’t imagine giving up the weekly meeting. “We might have to change it up a bit. We’ll see. But speaking of dates and ladies, how’s everything going with the librarian?”

“She basically dumped me without dumping me. She’s never returned any of my calls or text messages.”

“I’m sorry. We’ll hook you up with someone else. Maybe Rylee has a friend she can set you up with.”

“I don’t know. Maybe dating isn’t for me.” A somber expression covers Miles’ face.

“You can’t spend the rest of your life without dating or companionship. Believe me. I tried it. Now I’m having a kid.” Holy shit. I’m having a kid.

After dinner, the three of us go our separate ways. While walking to my SUV, I pass a small bookstore and pause. Might as well acquaint myself with all this baby and parenting stuff. I pull open the door to find some new reading material.

TWENTY-FOUR

BABY DADDY

Trey

It’s been a couple of days since the doctor appointment and my nerves have had time to settle. Except being at my parents they’re on high alert again. I throw my SUV into park in the driveway, not ready to relive a conversation I had a little over ten years ago, even though this one is different.

As soon as I walk into the foyer, the aroma of stewed tomatoes and garlic leads me to the kitchen. My dad is at the counter chopping vegetables, while my mom’s next to him at the stove stirring a pot. I’ve always envied their relationship. Sure, they’ve had their fair share of ups and downs, like adjusting to another kid in the house when my half-brother, Ledger, moved in during our teen years. But they made it work and they did it together. And now, they’re working side by side in the kitchen, enjoying each other’s company. My movement catches their attention, and we silently greet each other with smiles and nods. I plopped down on the stool at the island and continue watching them. The longer I sit here it makes me realize I want this, all the relationship stuff with Rylee.

I’ve contemplated several ways how to tell my parents. The first one was a King Cake with the little baby inside, but then I figured that would be more fitting if it was closer to Mardi Gras. A temporary tattoo of the ultrasound picture. A singing telegram. Instead, I keep it simple. “You guys are going to be grandparents.”

The knife in my dad’s hand clatters to the cutting board. Maybe I should’ve waited until he set it down first. My mom spins around, wooden spoon in hand, dripping tomato sauce on the floor. “Say that again?”

I rub the back of my neck. “You’re going to be grandparents.” Both of them are stunned silent. I’m sure they’re having flashbacks of the last time I told them. I can’t blame them. That was a traumatic experience for everyone.

My mom’s the first to speak. “Are you sure?”

Her question would shock most people, but I kind of blew the wind out of her “you’re going to be grandparents sail” the first time. So, her questioning isn’t unreasonable.

“This time it’s real.”

A thud echoes through the house from the living room as Olivia barrels into the kitchen with Ledger close behind.

“You’re absolutely positive?” my mom asks.

“Yes. As soon as Rylee found out, she told me with three pregnancy tests in hand. We went to the doctor together and everything.” I pull out the ultrasound picture and slide it across the counter.

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